Pregnancy in women with epilepsy is associated with ten times higher risk of maternal death than the general population. The choice of an antiepileptic drug is important in achieving optimal maternal seizure control while balancing with the teratogenic risks. Valproate is indicated for the treatment of generalized or focal epilepsy, and secondly for mania treatment where other therapy has proved inadequate or is inappropriate. There are, however, some restrictions of valproate use, particularly in women of childbearing potential. In this module, we will be discussing on the guidance for risk minimization approach for the use of valproate in epilepsy and in bipolar disorder for use in women of childbearing potential. In addition, this module also highlights the valproate educational tools that are available to ensure your patient has an adequate level of understanding of valproate treatment risk.This module aims to provide an overview of epilepsy in women of childbearing potential (WOCBP), recommendations and guidance for the appropriate use of valproate with risk minimization approach.For additional resource, click here.This CPD activity is supported by an educational grant from Sanofi.
